BEIJING — China’s military leadership Monday assured U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates that it opposes a nuclear- armed Iran.
But to the disappointment of Pentagon officials, on a visit here for talks on a range of military issues between the two countries, it appears the Chinese position on Iran’s nuclear development, for now, will be no more than words.
Chinese military officials told their American counterparts that they believe “discussion” alone – as opposed to economic sanctions – will dissuade Iran from building a nuclear weapon.
Gates will make the case for sanctions once more today, when he meets with Chinese President Hu Jintao.
Chinese military leaders said nothing about U.S. requests that they stop selling military supplies to Iran.
Iran’s nuclear program was one of the urgent issues for Gates in China. The Iranian issue was raised and the two sides “agreed that is it important to pursue efforts to persuade the Iranian government to change their behavior and their policies peacefully, through diplomatic means,” Gates said.
